Uganda Adventure Safari Archives

A mountain gorilla peacefully munching on a leaf in its natural habitat at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park - Valverde Safaris Uganda

Gorilla Trekking In Uganda

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda – A Guide to see Mountain Gorillas in Uganda Are you planning and interested in visiting Uganda for Gorilla Trekking? This Valverde Safaris guide on Gorilla trekking in Uganda will help you plan well your trip for a great experience during your gorilla trek tour to Uganda. Gorilla trekking in Uganda is only done in two national parks Bwindi Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park both found in southwestern Uganda, Gorilla trekking is one of the major activities that attract many tourists to Uganda and many include this activity in their itineraries when visiting Uganda. What is Gorilla Trekking? Defined Gorilla Trekking in Uganda involves walking and hiking through the forest to search for gorillas in their natural habitat once you find the gorillas you spend one hour encountering them, learning more about their daily lifestyle, taking pictures and videos. About Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is one of the only 4 national parks home to endangered mountain gorillas in the world, other national parks include Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes national park in Rwanda, and Virunga National Park in DR Congo. Bwindi Forest National Park is one of Africa’s oldest forests with diverse biodiversity with various species which include 350 birds, 310 butterflies, 200 trees, 51 reptiles, 88 months, and 120 mammals, the park is also home to several primates including chimpanzees, L’Hoest’s monkey and the major one the Mountain Gorillas. The global population of mountain gorillas is 1064 individuals and half of these can be found in Bwindi impenetrable forest, the park has over 15 habituated gorilla family groups open for gorilla tracking with 8 gorilla permits allocated to each group per day. About Mgahinga Gorilla National Park Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is the other only national park in Uganda where gorilla trekking is done the other is Bwindi Impenetrable Forest national Park. Mgahinga National Park is home to one gorilla family called Nyakagezi open for gorilla trekking. The park is also home to 3 volcanoes Sabinyo, Gahinga and Muhavura volcanoes of the 6 extinct volcanoes found in the Virunga ranges sharing borders with Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in DR Congo also home to mountain gorillas. Mgahinga National Park is the smallest National Park in Uganda covering just 38 kmsq it is also best known for golden monkey trekking making it the only national park in Uganda where to see gorillas and golden monkeys. Mgahinga gorilla National park is also home to 76 mammal species including the endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. Other large mammals include elephants, buffaloes, leopard, giant forest hogs however these are very rare to see. It is also great for bird watching with over 115 bird species present in the park including various Albertine Rift endemics. Gorillas Where is Gorilla Trekking done in Bwindi Forest? Where is Gorilla Trekking done in Bwindi Forest? Gorilla trekking in Bwindi forest is done in 4 sectors which include Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo and Rushaga. Buhoma sector is located in the northern part of Bwindi and Ruhija sector in the North Eastern part of Bwindi both sectors are located close to Queen Elizabeth National Park making it easy to combine gorilla trekking with game viewing if you are trekking at these sectors. In the southern Part of Bwindi it is where Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors are located close to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for gorilla trekking and Golden monkey tracking. Each sector has different habituated mountain gorilla families open for gorilla trekking with Rushaga sector having many families compared to other sectors. How much is Gorilla Trekking in Uganda A Gorilla Permit in Uganda costs USD700 per person per trek for Foreign Non-Residents, USD600 for East African Residents, and USD70 for East African Citizens. This Gorilla permit gives you an opportunity to spend one-hour encountering mountain gorillas in the Bwindi forest or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park once you find them on your trek. How to purchase a Gorilla trekking permit in Uganda Gorilla trekking permits in Uganda are purchased from Uganda Wildlife Authority, this can be done at their headquarters in Kampala or Kisoro for tourists arriving in Uganda through Entebbe it is recommended to purchase their gorilla permits from Kampala and for tourists arriving in Uganda through Kigali, they can purchase their permits at the branch headquarter of Uganda Wildlife Authority in Kisoro town which is 1-2 hours drive to Bwindi. About Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is one of the only 4 national parks home to endangered mountain gorillas in the world, other national parks include Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes national park in Rwanda, and Virunga National Park in DR Congo. Bwindi Forest National Park is one of Africa’s oldest forests with diverse biodiversity with various species which include 350 birds, 310 butterflies, 200 trees, 51 reptiles, 88 months, and 120 mammals, the park is also home to several primates including chimpanzees, L’Hoest’s monkey and the major one the Mountain Gorillas. The global population of mountain gorillas is 1064 individuals and half of these can be found in Bwindi forest, the park has over 15 habituated gorilla family groups open for gorilla tracking with 8 gorillas permits allocated to each group per day. About Mgahinga Gorilla National Park Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is the other only national park in Uganda where gorilla trekking is done the other is Bwindi Impenetrable Forest national Park. Mgahinga National Park is home to one gorilla family called Nyakagezi open for gorilla trekking. The park is also home to 3 volcanoes Sabinyo, Gahinga and Muhavura volcanoes of the 6 extinct volcanoes found in the Virunga ranges sharing borders with Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in DR Congo also home to mountain gorillas. Mgahinga National Park is the smallest National Park in Uganda covering just 38 kmsq it is also best known for golden monkey trekking making it the only national park in Uganda where to see gorillas and golden monkeys. Mgahinga gorilla

A Chimpanzee (Primates) at Kibale National Park

14-Day Uganda Safari – Gorilla Trekking, Wildlife & Adventure Tour

Safaris

Embark on an unforgettable 14-day Uganda safari that combines thrilling gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest, and Big 5 game drives in Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls National Parks. Witness stunning landscapes, enjoy scenic boat cruises along rivers, spot diverse wildlife, and immerse yourself in Embark on an unforgettable 14-day Uganda safari that combines thrilling gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest, and Big 5 game drives in Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls National Parks. Witness stunning landscapes, enjoy scenic boat cruises along rivers, spot diverse wildlife, and immerse yourself in Uganda’s rich culture. This safari offers the perfect blend of adventure, wildlife encounters, and natural beauty.rich culture. This safari offers the perfect blend of adventure, wildlife encounters, and natural beauty.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Uganda

Destinations

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, located in southwestern Uganda, is one of Africa’s most iconic safari destinations and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Famous for hosting nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, the park offers visitors an extraordinary gorilla trekking experience through its dense, ancient rainforest. Beyond gorillas, Bwindi is home to over 120 mammal species, 350 bird species, and a wealth of unique plants, butterflies, and reptiles. The park’s mist-covered hills, rugged landscapes, and rich biodiversity make it a paradise for adventurers, photographers, and nature lovers alike.

Whether you’re embarking on a gorilla trek, birdwatching, or exploring local community cultures, Bwindi provides an unforgettable safari experience.
For travelers seeking the ultimate Uganda wildlife adventure, a visit to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is an absolute must.

An African Leopard walking at Queen ElizAn African Leopard walking at Queen Elizabeth National ParlAn African Leopard walking at Queen Elizabeth National Parlabeth National Park - Valverde Safaris Uganda

9-Day Uganda Gorilla, Chimpanzee & Big 5 Safari Adventure

Safaris

9 Days Uganda Safari – Gorilla, Wildlife, Big 5 and Chimpanzee Habituation Experience Tour. This safari takes you to an encounter with the big five mammals, chimpanzees, gorillas, smaller primates, and amazing scenery/landscape. The 9 day Uganda wildlife safari starts with a visit to the beautiful lake Bunyonyi for relaxation, canoeing, island hopping, and a community visit. The safari includes a visit to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This park is home to half of the remaining population of mountain gorillas. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi may be the most popular activity but visitors also get a chance to observe other smaller primates and forest creatures. The safari also includes a visit to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Queen Elizabeth is the most visited national park in Uganda and is home to tree climbing lions, crater lakes and other amazing landscape. While on a tour of the Kazinga Channel of Queen Elizabeth, tourists are rewarded with one of the most amazing collection of wildlife in Africa. Safari Highlights Safari Inclusions and Exclusions Packing List Safari Highlights Day 1: Pickup from Kampala or Entebbe – Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi Day 2: Canoeing, Island hopping and swimming – Transfer to Bwindi – Visit the Batwa Pygmies Day 3: Gorilla Tracking – Transfer to the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park Day 4: Game drive to see tree climbing lions – Afternoon Boat cruise at the Kazinga Channel Day 5: Morning game drive at the Kasenyi Sector – Transfer to Kibale National Park – Visit the Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary. Day 6: Chimpanzee Habituation Experience Day 7: Transfer to Murchison falls – Visit the top of the falls Day 8: Morning Game drive – Afternoon Launch cruise on the river Nile Day 9: Visit the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – Transfers to Kampala or Entebbe Safari Inclusions and Exclusions The 9 days Uganda safari package includes; Gorilla permits Chimpanzee permits Batwa visit Game drives Boat cruises Lake Bunyonyi tour Ziwa Rhino sanctuary Park Entrance and Ranger fees All activities included in the tour package Transfers to and from the airport A standard 4X4 tour van An experienced driver with great knowledge about the country and who speaks excellent English Accommodation for 8 nights including meals and water Meals and water outside the hotel Government taxes The safari excludes; Air tickets and entry visas to Uganda Medical and Travel insurance Tips to the gorilla trekking porters, rangers and staff at the hotels Expenses on alcohol, cigars, phone calls, soft drinks, souvenir and anything that can be considered personal Packing List While on a safari in Uganda, you should pack some or all of the following items; A camera: A safari in Uganda is incomplete without a good camera. You cannot come back from a safari without evidence to show your friends and family about the wonderful time you had. Hiking Boots: Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking requires good hiking boots for comfort especially during the rainy season. Stocking: Long stockings will help in tucking in your trousers to avoid crawling insects. Rain Jacket: This is very important while hiking during the rainy season. The rains can be unpredictable in Uganda especially when you consider global warming. There is always the possibility of rain in Bwindi forest regardless of season of the year. Long Shirts and trousers: The game parks and forests contain insects and other crawling creatures that you need to keep off. There are also sharp tree branches and thorns. Long sleeved shirts and trousers will keep off any insects and also protect you from sharp trees. Hand gloves: Hand gloves are important for grabbing leaves and tree branches while hiking through dense forest. Water: Many of the activities mentioned above involve staying out for long hours in the sun. Expect to get dehydrated and tired if you do not pack some water. You need to have water filtration tablets if you cannot move with bottled water. Packed Snack: This is very important for the chimpanzee habituation experience and gorilla trekking. It is difficult to predict when the two activities will end. You are better off parking lunch so that you don’t get hungry. Detailed Itinerary Day 1: Pickup from Kampala or Entebbe – Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi. Wake up early morning and take breakfast as you wait for the company driver. The Driver will brief you about the tour and let you know where to get any equipment or change money. The journey to Lake Bunyonyi is long but very interesting as it offers travelers a chance to observe the life in rural Africa. You will see for yourself how the local people go about their daily life away from the traffic jam and busy life in the capital Kampala. The south western part of Uganda is blessed with incredible scenery – lakes, rivers, mountains, national parks, forests, rolling hills, tea plantations and changing vegetation. Expect to enjoy the journey if you love nature and are a keen observer. There will be stopovers at various landmarks including at the equator crossing for an opportunity to take photos. Lunch will be taken along the way before continuing to Lake Bunyonyi. Once you reach the lake, the driver/Guide will take you to the lodge for check-in, shower and refreshment. You can then go for a nature walk along the lake shores and then relax as you watch the sunset. Lake Bunyonyi (place of little birds) is Africa’s second deepest lake. It is a relatively small but very beautiful and romantic lake with naturally beautiful surroundings. Lake Bunyonyi is surrounded by terraced hills and forests along the shores. 29 small islands are found in the lake with some interesting ones like the punishment island and another that used to be a quarantine Centre for lepers. The lake is free from bilharzia and crocodiles hence excellent for only those who can swim in deep waters. Birders should expect a treat as the lake is a home to over 200 recorded species. Dinner and overnight at Bunyonyi Safari Resort or Bunyonyi Eco Resort Day 2: Canoeing, Island hopping and swimming – Transfer